Camellia Bowl: Blue Raiders opened as slight favorites vs Red Wolves

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders will look to win their first bowl game since 2009 when they face off against the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the Camellia Bowl. This is the fourth bowl game in five years for the Raiders, who won three of their last four games this season by an average of 24 points. Middle Tennessee opened as a 3.5-point favorite vs an Arkansas State team that finished 7-4 SU this season.

SHARK BITES
  • The total has gone OVER in four of Middle Tennessee’s last five games in bowl season.
  • Arkansas State is 6-2 SU in its last eight games in December.
  • Middle Tennessee is 5-1 SU in its last six games against the Sun Belt Conference.

This will be the first appearance in the Camellia Bowl for either team. And if the Red Wolves have it their way, they’ll be leaving with the victory. Arkansas State has played in seven straight bowl games but only has a record of 3-4 SU and ATS. Finishing third in the Sun Belt Conference at 7-4 SU, the Wolves threw down 69 points on Louisiana-Monroe in their final road game of the season and will be led by quarterback Justice Hansen, who finished with 34 passing touchdowns.

The total opened at 62.5 and the OVER should be seriously considered by bettors. Both of these teams average over 26 points per game and have been known to explode offensively. These teams have faced each other in recent years with the Wolves going 3-0 SU and ATS and the OVER hitting in all three games.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs Arkansas State Red Wolves Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

Betting fans of the Arkansas State Red Wolves have seen them go 7-4 and 6-5 ATS so far this season, while the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are at 6-6 and 5-7 ATS. In OVER/UNDER totals betting, the Blue Raiders are 4-8, while the Red Wolves are 4-7. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Arkansas State vs Middle Tennessee injuries news.

The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Red Wolves rated this week at No. 17 and the Blue Raiders sitting at No. 54.

Statistical Matchup

Offensively, the game matches up the Arkansas State Red Wolves' No. 9-ranked offense (39.9 PPG) against a Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders defense that ranks No. 46 at 24.25 PPG. The Red Wolves passing attack has averaged 331.1 yards per game, more than the Blue Raiders give up through the air (212 YPG on average).

In comparing defenses, the Blue Raiders own the league's No. 60-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 168.33 yards per game when on the road. Arkansas State, on the other hand, rates No. 43 this week in generating rushing yards at home.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Terelle West ran through the Old Dominion defense for 170 yards in Middle Tennessee's last game, handing the Monarchs a 41-10 setback on Saturday at Floyd Stadium.

In Arkansas State's last outing, Justice Hansen threw for 437 yards in a losing cause against the Trojans, 32-25 at Centennial Bank Stadium.

The total has gone OVER in four of Middle Tennessee’s last five games in bowl season.away Arkansas State is 6-2 SU in its last eight games in December.away Middle Tennessee is 5-1 SU in its last six games against the Sun Belt Conference.away
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